Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other national and state authorities to immediately execute the Supreme Court's ruling on ward delineation in Warri South Local Government Area, warning that any further delay may threaten the fragile peace in the region.
In a press statement signed by Prof. Hope Eghagha (President) and Dr. John Uwa (General Secretary), URS stressed that the Supreme Court had already mandated INEC to correct what it described as "many years of injustice" through a fair and constitutional redrawing of electoral wards in Warri South. The group stated that the delineation exercise has already been completed under INEC supervision, with representatives of the Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri ethnic groups present—making implementation the only outstanding step.
“What now remains is the execution without further delay. Anything short of this will not only be considered as unacceptable, but will also amount to miscarriage of justice and an obstruction of the relative peace enjoyed in Warri since the Warri Crisis,” the statement read.
Calling on the Presidency, National Security Adviser, Delta State Government, and INEC to uphold the rule of law, URS emphasized that respecting the judgment is critical to maintaining stability, equity, and effective governance.
The group warned stakeholders against provoking fresh ethnic tensions, referencing attempts to levy land payments on the Urhobo people.
“Avoid fanning the embers of ethnic violence through inciting ultimatum for the Urhobos of Warri to make payment for lands that are ancestrally, traditionally, and legally established to be theirs,” URS stated.
They further argued that full implementation of the delineation will ensure equitable political representation, resource distribution, and renewed development across Delta State.
The URS called on traditional leaders, political actors, and civil society to "accept the ward delineation as conducted by INEC" and "work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition" based on the Supreme Court’s directive.
“We urge all parties to respect the rule of law and the authority of the Supreme Court,” the statement concluded. “By doing so, we can ensure that the interests of all parties are protected and that Delta State continues on a path of progress and development.”
The renewed appeal underscores growing frustration from local stakeholders, as well as concerns that delay in the execution of the court's ruling could reignite old fault lines in a region historically marred by ethnic conflict and political marginalization.
